Prime Interest trotted the fastest mile in the history of Saratoga Gaming and Raceway on Friday when capturing the featured $15,000 Open Trot in 1:55.1, eclipsing the previous mark of 1:55.2 set by Algiers Hall in 2006.
Starting from Post 1 with Frank Coppola Jr. at the lines, Prime Interest was driven aggressively off the gate in the Friday feature, briefly yielding the top spot to Clearaway through a brisk opening quarter mile that went in :27.3.
As the trotters marched by the grandstand for the first time, Prime Interest was no longer content to track the leader from second place and charged to the front with one bold move, showing the way through middle fractions of :57 and 1:26.2.
After facing little resistance through the final turn, Prime Interest opened up a six-length advantage at the head of the stretch and coasted home unchallenged to prevail by five and three-quarter lengths following a final panel that went in :28.4.
Prime Interest returned $4.90, $2.40, and $2.10. Pablo Angus (Dan Cappello Jr.) brought in $2.30 and $2.20 for second, while Alpine Dauntless (Brian Allen) paid $2.70 for third.
Owned by Vincent Laurenzo and trained by Colin Johnson, Prime Interest has visited the winner's circle in nine of 22 starts, with seasonal earnings of $87,740 and a lifetime bankroll in excess of $168,000.
(Saratoga)